Modular device control unit

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a backplate including at least one backplate contact, a cover, and a lock. The at least one backplate contact facilitates an electrical connection to a power source. The cover shields the at least one backplate contact when the cover is placed in a closed position. The cover is further translatable to an open position to conditionally expose the at least one backplate contact. The lock applies a force to the cover and positions the cover in the closed position unless a counter-force greater than the force is received by the lock.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/212,388 filed Aug. 31, 2015,entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING LIGHTS, which isincorporated herein by reference in the entirety.

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/074,915 filed Mar. 18, 2016, entitledCONFIGURABLE DEVICE CONTROL NETWORK, which is incorporated herein byreference in the entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to device controllers and, moreparticularly, to a modular device control unit.

BACKGROUND

The modification of an existing electrical wiring system in a commercialor residential building is often difficult and/or costly. An electricalwiring system in a commercial or residential building typically includesa multitude of electrical circuits in which electrical wires are routedbetween a mains power source and electrical junction boxes placed atfixed locations throughout the building. Based on known or anticipatedneeds, certain electrical junction boxes are wired to have direct accessto electrical power (e.g. an electrical outlet), while other electricaljunction boxes are wired such that access to electrical power iscontrolled by electrical switches (e.g. a light or a switched electricaloutlet). The electrical wiring is typically installed during aconstruction phase of the building, secured to support structuresaccording to electrical and building codes, and covered during afinishing phase. In this regard, a modification of the existing wiringsystem in response to changing needs is generally limited to minoralterations of electrical connections within accessible electricaljunction boxes or the installation of new electrical wiring, which oftenrequires remodeling and/or refinishing.

Further, the replacement, repair, or alteration of the functionality ofexisting electrical wiring devices such as electrical outlets orswitches connected to a mains power source is often performed by ajourneyman due to safety concerns and/or uncertainty regarding properwiring configurations.

SUMMARY

An apparatus is disclosed in accordance with one or more illustrativeembodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment,the assembly includes a backplate. In another illustrative embodiment,the backplate includes at least one backplate contact to facilitate anelectrical connection to a power source. In another illustrativeembodiment, the backplate includes a cover to shield the at least onebackplate contact when the cover is placed in a closed position. Inanother illustrative embodiment, the cover is further translatable to anopen position to conditionally expose the at least one backplatecontact. In another illustrative embodiment, the backplate includes alock to apply a force to the cover and position the cover in the closedposition unless a counter-force greater than the force is received bythe lock.

An apparatus is disclosed in accordance with one or more illustrativeembodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment,the assembly includes a backplate. In another illustrative embodiment,the backplate includes at least one backplate contact to facilitate anelectrical connection to a power source. In another illustrativeembodiment, the backplate includes a cover to shield the at least onebackplate contact when the cover is placed in a closed position. Inanother illustrative embodiment, the cover is further translatable to anopen position to conditionally expose the at least one backplatecontact. In another illustrative embodiment, the backplate includes alock to apply a force to the cover and position the cover in the closedposition unless a counter-force greater than the force is received bythe lock. In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes adevice control assembly to be placed into a cavity defined on thebackplate. In another illustrative embodiment, the placement of thedevice control assembly into the cavity defined on the backplateintroduces a counter-force to the lock, forcing the lock to translatewhen the counter-force is greater than the force and allowing the coverto be translated into the open position.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not necessarily restrictive of the invention as claimed. Theaccompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a partof the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the general description, serve to explain the principlesof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood bythose skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a modular control unit configured to mountwithin an electrical junction box, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a device control assembly, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contactsshielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contactsshielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contactsavailable to an inserted device control assembly (not shown), inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contactsavailable to an inserted device control assembly (not shown), inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3E is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly to mount thebackplate contacts, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3F is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly illustratinga locking lever, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3G is an isometric view illustrating the back side of a backplate,in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3H is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contactsshielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3I is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contactsshielded by an air gap actuator, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3J is an isometric view of a backplate with backplate contactsavailable to an inserted device control assembly (not shown), inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3K is a cross-sectional view of a backplate with backplate contactsavailable to an inserted device control assembly, in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3L is an isometric view of a backplate board assembly to mount thebackplate contacts, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3M is an isometric view of the back side of a device controlassembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3N is an isometric view of the back side of a backplate, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3O is an isometric view of the back side of a backplate, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a device control assembly coupled to abackplate, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of a device control assembly, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a configurable network of modular controlunit for actuating one or more load devices, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a configurable network, in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a configurable network in a household, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a table summarizing the pairings between device controlassemblies, electrically-connected luminaires, network-connectedluminaires, and sensors in a configurable network, in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C is a table summarizing physical pairings and addressablepairings between device control assemblies and electrically-connectedluminaires in a configurable network, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8D is a table summarizing the state diagram ofelectrically-connected luminaires in a configurable network, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter disclosed,which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 8D, a configurable network ofdevice controllers is described, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure are directed to the formation of a network of devicecontrollers. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure aredirected to pairing device controllers with one or more loads in which adevice controller regulates one or more paired loads. Additionalembodiments are directed to device controllers in a configurable networkconfigured to regulate any load connected to any other devicecontrollers on the configurable network. Further embodiments aredirected to a network of backplates electrically connected to mainspower to facilitate a network of modular device controllers.

It is recognized herein that an electrical wiring system of a buildingtypically includes multiple electrical circuits to route electricalpower from a power source (e.g. mains power) to multiple electricaljunction boxes located throughout the building. Typically, power cablescontaining electrical wires are routed from a power distribution panelsuch as, but not limited to, an electrical fuse box, to the multipleelectrical junction boxes. The electrical junction boxes may furtherfacilitate electrical connections between the power distribution paneland one or more electrical devices or device controllers by providing anenclosure in which the electrical devices may be connected to, orotherwise terminate, the electrical wires provided by the power cable.An electrical junction box may additionally provide structural supportfor mounting an electrical device.

The topology of the configuration of wires between junction boxes aswell as the number of wires routed between junction boxes may varydepending on the anticipated function of electrical devices to beinstalled within the junction boxes. Further, power cables associatedwith an electrical wiring system are typically routed between joistsassociated with walls and ceilings of the building and are typicallysecured according to building and electrical codes. Accordingly,modifications of the configuration and number of wires betweenelectrical boxes may be difficult and/or undesirable.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a configurablenetwork of device controllers connected to the electrical wiring systemand further in data communication to provide control over the regulationof electrical loads. In this regard, data communication between devicecontrollers supplements and/or expands the capabilities of wiredelectrical connections associated with the electrical wiring system toprovide fully customizable control over load regulation. Further,embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to incorporatingadditional devices (e.g. sensors, luminaires, electrical appliances, orthe like) to the configurable network of device controllers. Additionalembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to modular controlunits with interchangeable device control assemblies for flexiblemodification of the configurable network of device controllers.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a modular control unit 100 configured tomount within an electrical junction box 102, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, themodular control unit 100 includes a backplate 130 configured to mountwithin an electrical junction box 102 and provide an electricalconnection to an electrical wiring system. In some embodiments, amodular control unit 100 includes a device control assembly 110 tocontrol one or more load devices and is configured to removably couplewith the backplate 130. Further, the modular control unit 100 mayinclude a faceplate 104 configured to cover the electrical junction box102. In this regard, a backplate 130 may provide a standardized mountingassembly for device control assemblies 110. Further, device assemblies110 may be removably and/or interchangeably connected to the electricalwiring system through the backplate 130.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, a load device may includeany device directly or indirectly attached to the electrical wiringsystem. For example, a load device may include a wired load such as, butnot limited to, a luminaire or a fan. As an additional example, a loaddevice may include an electrical outlet into which loads may beremovably connected.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes electricalcircuitry and/or mechanical components to actuate, regulate, orotherwise control one or more load devices connected to the electricalwiring system. For example, a device controller 110 may include, but isnot limited to, one or more input devices, one or more buttons,mechanical switches, one or more electrical relays, one or more MOSFETs(metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) or one or moreTRIACs (triode for alternating current). In this regard, a devicecontrol assembly 110 may include, but is not limited to, a toggleswitch, a dimmer switch, an alternating current (AC) electrical outlet,a direct current (DC) electrical outlet (e.g. a universal serial bus(USB) outlet), or a multi-function keypad. Additionally, a devicecontroller assembly 110 may include, but is not limited to, one or moredisplay devices, one or more speakers, one or more microphones, or oneor more sensors.

In some embodiments, the backplate 130 is configured to electricallyconnect to an electrical wiring system through the electrical junctionbox 102. For example, the backplate 130 may connect to a powerdistribution panel through an electrical wiring system terminated at theelectrical junction box 102. Additionally, the backplate 130 may beconfigured to terminate a power cable with any number of conductors suchas, but not limited to, a two-conductor power cable, a three-conductorpower cable, or a four-conductor power cable. It is noted herein thatthe backplate 130 may be compatible with any electrical wiring system inany configuration. For example, the backplate 130 may, but is notlimited to, be configured to accept a wire connected to a ground source(e.g. a “ground” wire), a wire connected to a power source (e.g. a “hot”wire), a wire connected to a neutral bar (e.g. a “neutral” wire), or oneor more additional wires (e.g. one or more “traveler” wires). Further,the backplate 130 may be configured to accept any gauge of wire. In someembodiments, the backplate 130 accepts 14-gauge wire (e.g. from a 14/2power cable or a 14/3 power cable). In some embodiments, the backplate130 accepts 12-gauge wire (e.g. from a 12/2 power cable or a 12/3 powercable). It is recognized herein that electrical systems may include anynumber of switches or connections between components. As such, thedescription of electrical wiring systems above is presented solely forillustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting.

A backplate 130 may be electrically connected to an electrical wiringsystem through the electrical junction box 102. In some embodiments, abackplate 130 is configured to connect to an electrical wiring systemthrough twist-on wire connectors. For example, a backplate 130 mayinclude one or more wires suitable for connecting to a power cablethrough twist-on wire connectors. In some embodiments, the backplate 130is configured to connect to an electrical wiring system through push-inwire connectors. For example, a backplate 130 may include one or morepush-in connectors to connect to conductors in a power cable such as,but not limited to, a “hot” wire, a “neutral” wire, a “ground” wire, ora “traveler” wire.

In some embodiments, a backplate 130 is configured to interchangeablycouple to device control assemblies 110 without modification of theconnection between the backplate 130 and the electrical wiring network.For example, a device control assembly 110 configured to operate as atoggle switch may be removed and replaced with a device control assemblyconfigured to operate as a dimmer switch without modification to thebackplate 130 or the associated electrical connections to the electricalwiring network. In this regard, the modular control unit 100 provides asemi-permanent element (e.g. a backplate 130 attached to an electricaljunction box 102 via one or more screws) connected to the electricalwiring system and interchangeable functional units (e.g. a devicecontrol assembly 110).

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 may be inserted intoor removed from a backplate 130 while a backplate 130 is connected tolive power from the electrical wiring assembly. For example, anelectrical connection established between a backplate 130 and a devicecontrol assembly 110 may be configured to establish a ground connectionprior to establishing a “hot” wire connection.

A backplate 130 may be configured to occupy one or more device positionswithin an electrical junction box 102. In some embodiments, a backplate130 is configured to occupy one position within an electrical junctionbox 102. In this manner, a single backplate 130 may be mounted to a1-gang electrical junction box 102, two backplates 130 may be mounted toa 2-gang electrical junction box 102, or the like. Further, a backplate130 may be mounted to an electrical junction box 102 alongside one ormore additional devices. For example, a backplate 130 and a typicallight switch may be mounted within 2-gang electrical junction box 102.In some embodiments, a backplate 130 is configured to occupy two or morepositions within an electrical junction box 102. For example, a singlebackplate 130 may be configured to accept two or more device controlassemblies 110 such that each device control assembly 110 effectivelyoccupies a single position within the electrical junction box 102. As anadditional example, a backplate 130 occupying two or more positionswithin an electrical junction box 102 may accept one or more devicecontrol assemblies 110 of any size. In this regard, a single devicecontrol assembly 110 may effectively occupy any portion of an electricaljunction box 102.

In some embodiments, the modular control unit 100 includes a faceplate104 to cover a portion of the electrical junction box 102 not covered bythe backplate 130 or the device control assembly 110. In someembodiments, the faceplate 104 includes one or more openings 106 toprovide access to one or more elements of the device control assembly102. For example, the faceplate 104 may include, but is not limited to,one or more openings 106 to provide access to one or more displays, oneor more speakers, one or more microphones, one or more antennas, or oneor more sensors associated with a device control assembly 110. In someembodiments, the faceplate 104 provides access to one or more elementsof the device control assembly 110 while covering exposed areas of theelectrical junction box 102. For example, a device control assembly 110and/or a backplate 130 attached to an electrical junction box 102 mayleave one or more areas of the electrical junction box 102 exposed. Inthis regard, a faceplate 104 may cover the one or more exposed areas ofthe junction box 102.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a device control assembly 110, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes a userinterface 112 to accept one or more input signals. For example, the userinterface 112 may include, but is not limited to, a touch-sensitivedisplay. In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes asensor panel 114 for housing one or more sensors. For example, thesensor panel 114 may, but is not limited to, house a microphone, aspeaker, and/or an occupancy sensor. In some embodiments, the userinterface 112 and/or the sensor panel 114 are exposed (e.g. to a user)through the one or more openings 106 of the faceplate 104.

In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes a casing116 to enclose one or more electronic and/or mechanical components (e.g.components associated with the user display 112, components associatedwith load regulation, one or more sensors within the sensor panel 114,or the like). In some embodiments, the casing 116 provides a sealedenclosure. Further, access to contents within the casing 116 may beprovided via one or more removable panels (not shown).

In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes one ormore contact pads 118 to provide an electrical connection from thebackplate 130 to the electronic components within the casing 116. Inthis regard, the device control assembly 110 may be connected to theelectrical wiring system through the backplate 130. The contact pads 118may be formed from any material known in the art suitable for providingan electrical connection between the device control assembly 110 and thebackplate 130 such as, but not limited to, brass. In some embodiments,the device control assembly 110 includes one or more locking features120 for securing the device control assembly 110 to the backplate 130when an electrical connection between the device control assembly 110and the backplate 130 is established.

Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3G, in some embodiments, a backplate 130is configured to interchangeably receive device control assemblies 110.In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes a casing 132 forming apartially enclosed opening 142 (e.g. a cavity, or the like) to receive adevice control assembly 110. In some embodiments, the backplate 130includes a mounting plate 134. The mounting plate 134 may include one ormore mounting holes 136 configured to align with corresponding mountingholes on an electrical junction box 102 (e.g. see FIG. 1). Further, abackplate 130 may be mounted to an electrical junction box 102 by one ormore screws via the one or more mounting holes 136. In this regard, thebackplate 130 may be semi-permanently mounted to an electrical junctionbox 102.

The mounting plate 134 may be secured to the casing 132 by any mechanismknown in the art. For example, the mounting plate 134 may be secured tothe casing 132 through one or more screws 138. As another example, themounting plate 134 may be secured to the casing 132 using one or morecatches. In this regard, a mounting plate 134 may “snap” onto the casing132. As a further example, a backplate 130 may include a combinedmounting plate 134 and casing 132 such that the mounting plate 134 andcasing 132 are formed from a continuous piece of the same material.

In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes one or more backplatecontacts 140 to provide one or more electrical connections between anelectrical wiring assembly (e.g. one or more power cables) and the oneor more contact pads 118 of an inserted device control assembly 110. Insome embodiments, the one or more backplate contacts 140 are shielded(e.g. from a user) when no device control assembly 110 is present. Inthis regard, access to the backplate contacts 140 and, consequently,access to the electrical wiring system, is provided solely uponinsertion of a device control assembly 110. FIGS. 3A and 3B areisometric and cross-sectional views of a backplate 130 with backplatecontacts 140 shielded by a backplate contact cover 144, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purposesof the present disclosure, the backplate contact cover may be referredto as an air gap actuator. It is noted herein that the views presentedin FIGS. 3A and 3B may illustrate a backplate 130 without an inserteddevice control assembly 110. FIGS. 3C and 3D are isometric andcross-sectional views, respectively, of a backplate 130 with backplatecontacts 140 available to an inserted device control assembly 110 (notshown for clarity). In this regard, the views presented in FIGS. 3C and3D illustrate the coupling of the backplate 130 to an inserted devicecontrol assembly (not shown). In this regard, the backplate contacts 140illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D are not exposed (e.g. to a user). FIG. 3Eis an isometric view of a backplate board assembly 146 to mount thebackplate contacts 140. FIG. 3F is an isometric view of a backplateboard assembly 146 illustrating a locking lever 152, in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the air gap actuator 144 provides access tobackplate contacts 140 while engaged in an open position (see FIGS. 3Cand 3D) and is further configured to prohibit access to backplatecontacts 140 while engaged in a closed position (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).The air gap actuator 144 may translate between a closed position and anopen position to regulate access to the backplate contacts 140.

In some embodiments, a position of the air gap actuator is maintainedthrough friction associated with one or more adjacent elements (e.g. thecasing 132). In some embodiments, the air gap actuator 144 is held intension (e.g. by a spring) to force the air gap actuator 144 to remainin the closed position unless a counter-force is applied. In thisregard, a force must be applied to translate the air gap actuator 144from a closed position to an open position. In some embodiments, theposition of the air gap actuator 144 is governed by a bi-stable system(not shown). For example, the air gap actuator 144 may be connected to aspring and one or more ratchets such that the air gap actuator 144 maybe locked in either the open or a closed position. In this regard, anair gap actuator 144 in a closed position and held in tension by aspring may be transitioned to an open position by depressing the air gapactuator 144 past a center-point of a ratchet such that the ratchetlocks the air gap actuator 144 in the open position. Similarly, the airgap actuator 144 locked in the open position may be transitioned to andlocked in the closed position by depressing the air gap actuator 144past a center-point of a ratchet.

The air gap actuator 144 may be formed from any material known in theart suitable for insulating electrical contacts. For example, the airgap actuator 144 may, but is not limited to, include acrylic, acetal,A.B.S. (acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene), polystyrene, nylon,P.E.T. (polyethylene terephthalate), polycarbonate, polyurethane, PVC,or PTFE (poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene).

In some embodiments, a backplate contact 140 is formed from a conductingmaterial such as, but not limited to, brass. In some embodiments, abackplate contact 140 maintains electrical contact with a contact pad118 of a device control assembly 110 through pressure. In someembodiments, a backplate contact 140 is mounted to the backplate boardassembly 146 in a cantilevered configuration. For example, acantilevered portion of a backplate contact 140 may extend to a positionin the opening 142 of the casing 132 (e.g. see FIG. 3D). In this regard,a device control assembly 110 inserted into the opening 142 of thecasing 132 will provide pressure between the one or more contact pads118 and the one or more backplate contacts 140 to establish and/ormaintain an electrical connection. Further, the one or more backplatecontacts 140 may be connected to the electrical wiring assembly througha circuit board 160.

In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes an air gap actuator lock148 configured to regulate the movement of the air gap actuator 144. Insome embodiments, the air gap actuator lock 148 is configured totranslate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In someembodiments, a spring 150 is connected to the backplate board assembly146 and the air gap actuator lock 148 to force the air gap actuator lock148 into a locked position unless a counter-force is applied. In thisregard, a force must be applied to translate the air gap actuator lock148 to an unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock 148 includes a blockingfeature 148A (e.g. a portion of the air gap actuator lock 148, or thelike) configured to prevent the air gap actuator 144 from translating tothe open position (e.g. to expose the electrical contacts 136) when theair gap actuator lock 148 is locked. In some embodiments, translation ofthe air gap actuator lock 148 to the unlocked position providesclearance for the air gap actuator 144 to translate to the openposition.

In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock 148 includes a gradedfeature 148B (e.g. a portion of the air gap actuator lock 148, or thelike) to provide contact with a device control assembly 110 duringcoupling between the device control assembly 110 and the backplate 130.For example, contact between the casing 116 of the device controlassembly 110 and the graded portion of the air gap actuator lock 148 maycause the air gap actuator lock 148 to slideably translate from a lockedposition to an unlocked position. The graded feature 148B of the air gapactuator lock 148 may have any shape suitable for translating the airgap actuator lock 148 to a locked position upon insertion of a devicecontrol assembly 110 such as, but not limited to a flat graded surface(e.g. a surface at a 45 degree angle relative to the translationdirection) or a curved surface.

In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes a locking lever 152 tosecure a device control assembly to the backplate 130 when the air gapactuator 144 is in an open position (e.g. the backplate contacts 140 arein connection with the contact pads 118 of the device control assembly110). For example, the locking lever 152 may couple to locking features120 to secure an inserted device control assembly 110 to the backplate130. In some embodiments, the locking lever 152 is mounted to a rod 154on the backplate board assembly 146 and held in tension against the airgap actuator 144 via a torsion spring 156. Further, the motion of thelocking lever 152 may be governed by the position of the air gapactuator 144. For example, the air gap actuator 144 may include a gradedportion 144A to couple with a graded portion 152A of the locking lever152. In this regard, the locking lever 152 may rotate to provideclearance for a device control assembly 110 (not shown) when the air gapactuator 144 is in a closed position (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 3B).Similarly, the locking lever 152 may be rotated to couple with lockingfeatures 120 of a device control assembly 110 (not shown) as the air gapactuator 144 translates to an open position (e.g. as illustrated in FIG.3D).

In some embodiments, the casing 132 includes one or more keyed features158 to facilitate alignment of a device control assembly 110 into abackplate 130. For example, the one or more keyed features 158. The oneor more keyed features 158 may be of any type known in the art. Forexample, the one or more keyed features 158 may include, but are notlimited to, raised features, recessed features, or grooves. In someembodiments, a keyed feature 158 is a raised feature with a height equalto or greater than a height of the air gap actuator lock 148 in a lockedposition. In this regard, air gap actuator lock 148 is accessible toobjects with one or more corresponding keyed features (e.g. keyedfeatures on a device control assembly 110).

FIG. 3G is an isometric view illustrating the back side of a backplate130, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, the backplate 130 includes one or moreconnection wires 162 to provide one or more electrical connectionsbetween the one or more backplate contacts 140 and the electrical wiringsystem (e.g. one or more power cables). For example, the one or moreconnection wires 162 may connect directly to the one or more backplatecontacts 140. As another example, the one or more connection wires 162may connect to a circuit board 160. In this regard, the backplate 130may include one or more power control elements (one or more resistors,one or more capacitors, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, oneor more TRIACs, or the like) to monitor or manipulate the flow ofelectricity between an installed device control assembly 110 and theelectrical wiring system.

In some embodiments, the one or more connection wires 162 may connect toone or more conductors associated with one or more power cables viatwist-on wire connectors. In some embodiments, although not shown, thebackplate 130 includes one or more push-in wire terminals to provide aconnection to the electrical wiring system. In this regard, one or moreconductors associated with one or more power cables may be inserted intothe push-in wire terminals to provide an electrical connection betweenthe backplate 130 and the electrical wiring system.

FIGS. 3H through 3O illustrate an additional, exemplary embodiment of amodular control unit 100 including a backplate 130 configured tointerchangeably couple with device control assemblies 110. FIGS. 3H and3I are isometric and cross-sectional views illustrating a backplate 130with an air gap actuator 144 in a closed position and including arecessed air gap actuator lock 148′ accessible through an opening 166 inan inner wall of the casing 132 of the backplate 130. FIGS. 3J and 3Kare isometric and cross-sectional views illustrating a backplate 130with an air gap actuator 140 in an open position and a recessed air gapactuator lock 148′. FIG. 3J illustrates the backplate 130 without acoupled device control assembly 110 for illustrative purposes; however,it is noted that the backplate 130 may be configured (e.g. via the airgap actuator 144, the air gap actuator lock 148′, the locking lever 152,keyed elements 158, or the like) such that the air gap actuator 144 mayoccupy an open position (e.g. to provide access to backplate contacts140) when coupled to a device control assembly 110. FIG. 3K illustratesthe backplate 130 with a coupled device control assembly 110. FIG. 3L isan isometric view of a backplate board assembly 146 to mount thebackplate contacts 140 illustrating the recessed air gap actuator lock148′.

FIG. 3M is an isometric view illustrating a back side of a devicecontrol assembly 110 including a coupling tab 168. For example, thecoupling tab 168 may pass through opening 166 of the backplate 130 toactuate the air gap actuator lock 148′ when coupling the device controlassembly 110 to the backplate 130. In another embodiment, the air gapactuator lock 148′ includes a blocking feature 148A′ (e.g. a portion ofthe air gap actuator lock 148′, or the like). For example, the blockingfeature 148A′ of the air gap actuator lock 148′ may restrict the motionof the air gap actuator 144 (e.g. by occupying a portion of atranslation path of the air gap actuator 144 as shown in FIG. 3I, or thelike). In this regard, the blocking feature 148A′ may prevent the airgap actuator 144 from translating to the open position (e.g. to exposethe electrical contacts 136) when the air gap actuator lock 148′ islocked. In some embodiments, translation of the air gap actuator lock148′ to the unlocked position provides clearance for the air gapactuator 144 to translate to the open position. Further, the air gapactuator lock 148′ may be maintained in a locked position (e.g. toprevent the air gap actuator 144 from translating from a closed positionto an open position) by a spring 150.

In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock 148′ may be translated toan unlocked position by coupling with a coupling tab 168 of a devicecontrol assembly 110 during insertion. For example, the insertion of adevice control assembly 110 into a backplate 130 may provide a force totranslate the air gap actuator lock 148′ (e.g. via the coupling tab 168)to an unlocked position. Accordingly, the translation of the air gapactuator lock 148′ may translate the blocking feature 148A′ out of thetranslation path of the air gap actuator 144 (e.g. as illustrated inFIG. 3K). In this regard, the air gap actuator 144 may translate to anopen position to expose the backplate contacts 140 to the inserteddevice control assembly 110.

In some embodiments, the opening 166 in the casing 132 of the backplate130 is configured to restrict access to the air gap actuator lock 148′.For example, the opening 166 may have a restrictive size (e.g. smallerthan a human fingertip, or the like) to prevent undesired objects (e.g.a human fingertip, or the like) from accessing the air gap actuator lock148′. As another example, the opening 166 and the coupling tab 168 mayoperate as keyed features with corresponding shapes such that thecoupling tab 168 may be inserted into the opening 166 only when thedevice control assembly 110 is properly oriented.

In some embodiments, the air gap actuator 144 includes a shroud 164 toconceal the blocking feature 148A′ of the air gap actuator 148′ when theair gap actuator 144 is in the closed position (e.g. as illustrated inFIG. 3I). In this regard, the shroud 164 restricts access to theblocking feature 148A′ of the air gap actuator lock 148′ (e.g. to auser, or the like).

In some embodiments, the air gap actuator lock 148′ includes a gradedfeature 148B′ (e.g. a portion of the air gap actuator lock 148′, or thelike) to provide contact with a device control assembly 110 duringcoupling between the device control assembly 110 and the backplate 130.For example, contact between the coupling tab 168 of the device controlassembly 110 and the graded feature 148B′ of the air gap actuator lock148′ may cause the air gap actuator lock 148′ to translate from a lockedposition to an unlocked position (e.g. in a direction orthogonal to themotion of the coupling tab 168 as shown in FIGS. 3I and 3K). The gradedportion 148B′ of the air gap actuator lock 148′ may have any shapesuitable for translating the air gap actuator lock 148′ to a lockedposition upon insertion of a device control assembly 110 such as, butnot limited to a flat graded surface (e.g. a surface at a 45-degreeangle relative to the translation direction) or a curved surface.

In some embodiments, electrical connections between backplate contacts140 and contact pads 118 of an inserted device control assembly 110 areprovided in an ordered configuration. For example, a backplate contact140 associated with a ground connection between the backplate 130 andthe inserted device control assembly 110 (e.g. associated with a groundwire from the electrical wiring system, a common ground between thebackplate 130 and the device control assembly 110, or the like) may beprovided prior to establishing one or more additional electricalconnections (e.g. a “hot” connection, or the like). In this regard,providing an ordered configuration of electrical connections between thebackplate 130 and the device control assembly 110 may facilitate theconnection and/or disconnection of a device control assembly 110 from abackplate 130 when the backplate 130 is connected to a “live” powersource. For example, an ordered configuration of electrical connectionsmay prevent damage (e.g. due to arcing, or the like) to the backplate130 and/or the device control assembly 110. In some embodiments, theorder in which electrical connections are made between pairs of contactpads 118 and backplate contacts 140 is determined by the relativepositions of the backplate contacts 140 and/or the contact pads 118. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 3J and 3K, in some embodiments, one or morebackplate contacts 140′ may extend further in a direction towards afront face of the backplate 130 than other backplate contacts 140.Accordingly, an electrical connection between backplate contact 140′ anda corresponding contact pad 118 may be provided prior to otherelectrical connections between backplate contacts 140 and correspondingcontact pads 118. In some embodiments, though not shown, a position ofone or more contact pads 118 may be configured to provide orderedelectrical connections between backplate contacts 140 and contact pads118.

FIG. 3N is an isometric view of a back side of a backplate 130illustrating the air gap actuator lock 148′, spring 150, and circuitboard 160. FIG. 3O is an is an isometric view of a back side of abackplate 130 illustrating a circuit board cover 172 to restrict accessto internal components of the backplate 130 (e.g. the air gap actuatorlock 148′, spring 150, circuit board 160, or the like). In someembodiments, the circuit board cover 172 is removably accessible (e.g.to a user). For example, the circuit board cover 172 may be removablyattached to the casing 132 of the backplate with one or more screws, oneor more flexible tabs, or the like).

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a device control assembly 110 coupled toa backplate 130, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110securely fits within the opening 142 of the backplate 130 such that allelectrical connections (e.g. the backplate contacts 140 and the contactpads 118) are inaccessible (e.g. to a user).

It is noted herein that the above description of the modular controlunit 100 is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not beinterpreted as limiting. For example, the modular control unit 100 mayinclude any combination of a device control assembly 110 and a faceplate104 or a backplate 130. In some embodiments, the modular control unit100 includes a device control assembly 110 and a faceplate 104. In thisregard, the device control assembly 110 is configured to connect withthe electrical wiring system without a baseplate 130. In someembodiments, the modular control unit 100 includes a device controlassembly 110 and a backplate 130. In this way, the device controlassembly 110 fully covers the electrical junction box 102 when coupledwith a backplate 130. In some embodiments, the modular control unit 100includes a device control unit 110 configured to directly connect to theelectrical wiring system and fully cover the electrical box 102.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of a device control assembly110, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includespower circuitry 504. For example, the device control assembly mayinclude elements to control the distribution of electrical power withinthe device control assembly including, but not limited to, a voltageregulator or an AC to DC converter to convert AC electrical power fromthe electrical wiring system to DC power suitable for powering one ormore components on a circuit board 160.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes controlcircuitry 502. In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110includes a mechanical input device 506. For example, a device controlassembly 110 may include, but is not limited a toggle switch, a button,or a dome switch. In some embodiments, the mechanical input deviceprovides tactile feedback when actuated. In some embodiments, mechanicalinput device 506 provides audible and/or tactile (haptic) feedback whenactuated. In this regard, actuation of the mechanical input device 506is broadcast (e.g. to a user). In some embodiments, the mechanical inputdevice 506 is coupled to input device circuitry 508 to provide an inputsignal associated with actuation of the mechanical input device 506.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes atouch-sensitive input device 510 coupled with touch-sensing circuitry512. The touch-sensitive input device 510 provides a means for userinput in which a user may contact (e.g. with a finger) a portion of thetouch-sensitive input device 510 to generate an input signal. Thetouch-sensitive input device 510 may include any touch-sensitive inputdevice 510 known in the art including, but not limited to,capacitive-type or resistive-type devices. Further, the input signal mayprovide information to the control circuitry 502 such as, but notlimited to, a number of contact points on the touch-sensitive device 510(e.g. a number of fingers in contact), a location of one or more contactpoints on the touch-sensitive input device 510, or a pressure of one ormore contact points.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes at least oneof a microphone 514 or a speaker 516 coupled with an audio codec 518. Inthis regard, the device control assembly 110 may accept and/or emitaudio signals.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes a displaydevice 522 coupled to display circuitry 520 for driving the displaydevice 522. The display device 522 may be any type of display deviceknown in the art suitable for displaying visual information including,but not limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED), a LED display, anorganic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a liquid crystal display(LCD), a thin-film transistor (TFT) display, or an electronic ink(E-ink) display. In some embodiments, the display device 522 uses adeadfronting technique to display visual information. For example,images printed with an opaque medium positioned adjacent to asemi-transparent medium may only appear visible when illuminated with abacklight (e.g. a LED backlight). In some embodiments, the displaydevice 522 and the touch-sensitive input device 510 are integrated intoa single unit (e.g. a user interface 112).

In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes loadcontrol hardware 526 coupled to load-control circuitry 524. In someembodiments, the load control hardware 526 actuates, regulates, orotherwise controls a connected load. As described above, a devicecontrol assembly 110 (e.g. as part of a modular control unit 100)connected to a power distribution panel in an electrical wiring systemmay control the electrical power to load device connected to theelectrical wiring system. Accordingly, the load control hardware mayinclude, but is not limited to, one or more mechanical relays, one ormore electrical relays, one or more diodes, one or more TRIACs, one ormore MOSFETs, one or more resistors, one or more capacitors, or one ormore integrated circuits.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, in this regard, a devicecontrol assembly 110 provides a physical function. Further, the physicalfunction of a device control assembly (e.g. regulating a current and/ora voltage to a load device) is performed by electrical and/or mechanicalelements (e.g. switches, relays, or the like) within the casing 116 ofthe device control assembly 110. In some embodiments, a device controlassembly 110 provides a physical function upon actuation of a user inputdevice (e.g. a mechanical input device 506 or a touch-sensitive inputdevice 510). For example, a device control assembly 110 may operate as adimmer switch to regulate electrical power to one or more connectedluminaires by swiping a finger along a linear path on a touch-sensitiveinput device 510. In this regard, an input signal generated by thetouch-sensing circuitry 512 including a location of a finger contact maydetermine the relative brightness of the connected luminaires. Further,an input signal generated by the touch-sensing circuitry 512 including alocation of a finger contact may determine the color output of amulti-color luminaire.

In some embodiments, the device control assembly 110 includes one ormore sensors (e.g. sensor hardware 530) coupled to sensor circuitry 528.For example, a device control assembly 110 may include, but is notlimited to, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, apressure sensor, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, an active infraredsensor, or a thermopile sensor. In this regard, the sensor circuitry 528may generate one or more sensor input signals associated with anenvironment proximate to the device control assembly 110. In someembodiments, one or more sensors (e.g. one or more occupancy sensors)determine occupancy of a room in which the device control assembly 110is located.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 includes networkhardware 534 coupled to network circuitry 532 for data communication. Insome embodiments, the network circuitry 532 is coupled to an antenna toprovide wireless data communication. In this regard, the antenna may beconfigured to operate in any frequency band known in the art. In someembodiments, the network circuitry and the antenna are configured tooperate in a Radio Frequency (RF) band. In this regard, the networkcircuitry 532 may be compatible with any wireless protocol known in theart, such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE),WiFi, RFID, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, 802.15.4, or the like. It is notedherein that the antenna (e.g. a portion of the network hardware 534) maybe of any type known in the art, including, but not limited to, anembedded antenna or an external antenna.

In some embodiments, the network circuitry 532 is coupled to networkhardware 534 to provide wired data communication. In some embodiments,the network circuitry 532 and network hardware 309 provide datacommunication over one or more electrical wires associated with theelectrical wiring system (e.g. one or more wires in a power cableconnected to the modular control unit 100). In this regard, the networkcircuitry 532 may be compatible with any wired protocol known in the artsuch as, but not limited to, universal powerline bus, X10, LonTalk,Homeplug AV, or Powerline AV.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 forms a configurablenetwork for data communication with one or more devices through thenetwork circuitry 532 and network hardware 534. For example, a devicecontrol assembly 110 may form a network including one or more dataconnection pathways to at least a second device control assembly 110. Asanother example, a device control assembly 110 may form a networkincluding one or more wireless devices (e.g. one or more wirelesssensors, one or more wireless luminaires, one or more wirelesselectrical sockets, or the like). As a further example, a device controlassembly 110 may form a network including one or more wired devices(e.g. one or more powerline devices). Additionally, a device controlassembly 110 may form a network with any combination of device controlassemblies 110, wireless devices, or wired devices. In this regard, adevice control assembly 110 may transmit or receive data over one ormore data pathways associated with the configurable network.

It is noted herein that the configurable network may have any topologyknown in the art including, but not limited to a mesh topology, a startopology, a ring topology, a line topology, or a bus topology. It isfurther noted herein that data pathways between device controlassemblies 110 within the configurable network may include single-hop(e.g. a direct connection) or multi-hop pathways (e.g. a connectionincluding one or more additional nodes to repeat and/or facilitate thedata connection). For example, the configurable network may have a floodmesh topology. In this regard, data sent from a first device (e.g. onenode) on the network intended for a second device (e.g. a second node)is sent to all nodes on the network. Further, any additional nodes onthe network may repeat or retransmit the data such that the data isreceived by the second device by one or more data pathways. As anotherexample, the configurable network may have a routed mesh topology inwhich routing information describing data pathways for datacommunication between nodes of the network is defined and stored (e.g.by any of the nodes on the network or a controller).

The configurable network may include (e.g. as nodes of the network) oneor more additional connected devices in addition to device controlassemblies 110 such as, but not limited to, sensors, luminaires, orconfigurable electrical sockets. The connected devices may be connectedto the configurable network through wired pathways (e.g. via a dataconnection provided by power cables associated with the electricalwiring system) or wireless pathways (e.g. via Bluetooth, Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE), WiFi, RFID, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, 802.15.4, or thelike). Further, the configurable network may include one or moreelectrical appliances connected (e.g. via wired or wireless pathways)such as, but not limited to, connected televisions, connected set-topboxes (e.g. Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, or the like), connectedthermostats (e.g. Nest, Ecobee, or the like), or connected speakersaudio devices (e.g. Amazon Echo, Sonos, or the like). Additionally, theconfigurable network may include one or more mobile devices (e.g.phones, tablets, wearable devices, or the like).

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 is directed toperform a physical function (e.g. control one or more load devices usingload control circuitry 524 coupled to load control hardware 526) by atleast one other device (e.g. a second device control assembly 110) on aconfigurable network via data communication. Accordingly, a devicecontrol assembly 110 may have an addressable function in which thedevice control assembly 110 directs one or more additional devicecontrol assemblies to perform their associated physical functions. Insome embodiments, the physical and addressable functions of a devicecontrol assembly 110 are independent. In this regard, a device controlassembly 110 may perform a physical function without actuation of aninput device of the device control assembly 110 (e.g. a mechanical inputdevice 506 or a touch-sensitive input device 510).

Similarly, a device control assembly 110 may provide an addressablefunction by directing at least a second device control assembly 110 toperform a physical function via data communication. For the purposes ofthe present disclosure, for example, a device control assembly 110 maybe configured to direct a second device control assembly to actuate aload (e.g. toggle the state of a connected electrical device) uponactuation of an input device (e.g. a mechanical input device 506 or atouch-sensitive input device 510). In this way, actuation of a devicecontrol assembly 110 (e.g. via a mechanical input device 506 or atouch-sensitive input device 510) may cause the regulation of a loaddevice by another device control assembly 110. In this regard, a devicecontrol assembly 110 may perform an addressable function withoutperforming a physical function.

In some embodiments, a device control assembly 110 provides multiplefunctions including one more physical functions and one or moreaddressable functions. For example, a device control assembly 110 isconfigured to provide a physical function upon actuation of a firstportion of a touch-sensitive input device 510 and is further configuredto provide an addressable function upon actuation of a second portion ofthe touch-sensitive input device 510. In this regard, a device controlassembly 110 may operate as a multi-function keypad.

For the purpose of the present disclosure, a device control assembly 110is paired with a load device if the device control assembly 110 isconfigured to control the load through a physical or an addressablefunction. It is noted herein that a device control assembly 110 may beconfigured to exclusively perform one or more addressable functions byonly pairing the device with one or more loads not regulated by aphysical function of the device control assembly 110 (e.g. not pairingthe device control assembly 110 with a load associated with a physicalfunction).

In some embodiments, pairings between device control assemblies 110 andload devices within a configurable network are dynamically assignable.In some embodiments, device pairings are defined and stored locally oneach device control assembly 110 within the network. Accordingly, adevice control assembly 110 is physically paired with a load if thedevice control assembly 110 is configured to regulate electrical powerto the load device through load control circuitry 524 and associatedhardware 526 (e.g. as a physical function). Similarly, a device controlassembly is addressably paired with a load device if the device controlassembly 110 is configured to direct one or more additional devicecontrol assemblies 110 to regulate the load device through load controlcircuitry 524 and associated load control hardware 526 of the one ormore additional device control assemblies.

In some embodiments, a pairing for a device controller 110 and a load isdetermined by the device control assembly 110 itself. In someembodiments, pairings between device control assemblies 110 and loaddevices within a configurable network are determined by a controllerassociated with the configurable network. The controller may have anytype of architecture known in the art such as, but not limited to acentralized architecture or a distributed architecture. In someembodiments, one device controller within the configurable networkoperates as the controller (e.g. to define, store, and distribute devicepairings to device control assemblies 110 on the network). In someembodiments, a controller for assigning device control assembly pairings110 is distributed. In this regard, one or more device controlassemblies 110 operate together as the controller. In a furtherembodiment, a controller is an element on the network other than adevice control assembly such as, but not limited to, a hub, acentralized server, or a distributed server.

In some embodiments, the controller includes one or more processors.Further, the one or more processors may be configured to execute a setof program instructions maintained in a memory medium, or memory. Theone or more processors of a controller may include any processingelement known in the art. In this sense, the one or more processors mayinclude any microprocessor-type device configured to execute algorithmsand/or instructions. In some embodiments, the one or more processors mayconsist of a stand-alone device hub, a desktop computer, a mainframecomputer system, a workstation, or any other computer system (e.g.,networked device) configured to execute a program configured to operatethe configurable network, as described throughout the presentdisclosure. It is further recognized that the term “processor” may bebroadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processingelements, which execute program instructions from a non-transitorymemory medium.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a configurable network 600 of modularcontrol unit 100 for actuating one or more load devices, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is notedherein that the network 600 described herein is provided solely forillustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting thepresent disclosure. In some embodiments, device control assemblies602-608 are communicatively coupled within the network 600 via one ormore data connections 622. Further, the network 600 may include one ormore load devices 610-614. The load devices may be any type of loaddevices including, but not limited to, luminaires, fans, or electricaloutlets configured to provide power to one or more attached electricaldevices.

In some embodiments, device control assembly 606 is physically pairedwith load device 612 such that actuating device control assembly 110regulates electrical power to load device 612 via one or more wires 620.In some embodiments, device control assemblies 602 and 604 arephysically paired with load device 610. Further, device controlassemblies 602 and 604 are connected to load device 610 via wires 616and 618 in a three-way switch configuration. In this regard, wire 618may be a “traveler” wire associated with a power cord within anelectrical wiring system. In some embodiments, device control assembly608 is not physically paired with any load device. In some embodiments,load device 614 is not physically paired with any device controlassembly 602-608 on the network. Further, load device 614 is directlyconnected to the configurable network 600 (e.g. via a data pathway 622).Load device 614 may be connected to the configurable network 600 via awired or wireless data pathway 622.

It is noted herein that pairings between device control assemblies602-608 and load devices 610-614 may be dynamically modified or updated.For example, device control assembly 608 may be paired with any loaddevice 610-612 on the network. As another example, device controlassembly 608 may be paired with load device 612 such that device controlassemblies 606 and 608 operate as a three-way switch to control loaddevice 612.

As another example, device control assembly 606 may be pairedexclusively with load device 614 and device control assembly 608 may bepaired with load device 612. In this regard, device control assembly 608may provide an addressable function (e.g. controlling load device 614)but not a physical function (e.g. control of load device 612) whenactuated. However, device control assembly 606 may facilitate thecontrol of load device 612 by device control assembly 608 via a datapathway 622.

As a further example, device control assembly 602 may be paired withload device 612 and not paired with load device 610. Accordingly, devicecontrol assembly 602 may control load device 612 via a data connection622 to device control assembly 304. Further, device control assemblies602 and 606 may operate as a three-way switch to control load device612.

It is noted herein that any number of device pairings between devicecontrol assemblies 602-608 and load devices 610-614 may be establishedvia the configurable network 600. Accordingly, the descriptions ofpairings above are intended solely for illustrative purposes and shouldnot be interpreted as limiting.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a configurable network 700, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is notedherein that the network 700 described herein is provided solely forillustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting thepresent disclosure. In some embodiments, the network includes devicecontrol assemblies 702-710 and a connected mobile device 712 (e.g. aphone, a tablet, a wirelessly-connected computer, or the like)configured to control one or more load devices 720-740.

In some embodiments, device control assemblies 702 and 704 arephysically paired to load devices 720 and 722 and are configured tooperate as a three-way switch. In some embodiments, device controlassembly 706 is physically paired to load devices 726-730 and isconfigured to operate as a multi-function keypad to operate load devices726-728 and load device 730 independently. In some embodiments, devicecontrol assemblies 708 and 710 are physically paired to load devices732-736 and are configured to operate as a three-way switch. Further,device control assembly 708 is configured to operate as a dimmer switchand device control assembly 710 is configured to operate as a toggleswitch. In some embodiments, load devices 724, 738, and 740 arewirelessly connected to the network 700 and are further not physicallypaired with any device control assembly 702-710.

In some embodiments, device control assemblies 702-710 are wirelesslyconnected within the network 700 via one or more data pathways. In someembodiments, network circuitry 532 and associated network hardware 534of the device control assemblies 110 are configured to connect via aBluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol in a mesh network topology (e.g. aflood mesh topology). Further, mobile device 712 and load devices 724,738, and 740 are nodes within the mesh network 700. In this regard, eachnode on the mesh network may transmit or retransmit mesh network trafficsuch that all nodes of the mesh network may communicate (e.g. viasingle-hop or multi-hop paths). Accordingly, mobile device 712 can bepaired with load devices 738 and 740 via the network 700. For example,mobile device 712 may have a data range 718 insufficient to reach loaddevice 738. However, device control assembly 708 may serve as a repeater(e.g. in a flood mesh network). In this regard the data range 716overlaps with data range 718 of mobile device 712 and data range 714 ofload device 738 to provide data communication. In some embodiments, themobile device 712 connects to a device control assembly (e.g. devicecontrol assembly 706) for communication with load devices within thenetwork 700. In this regard, device control assembly 706 may operate asa bridge to communicate data between the mobile device 712 and anydevice on the network 700. It is noted herein that mobile device 712 or,alternately any connected device (e.g. a connected television, aconnected electrical appliance, a wearable device, or the like), may notinclude appropriate hardware to properly communicate on the network 700.However, a device control assembly (e.g. device control assembly 706)may simultaneously connect with the network 700 on a first protocol(e.g. a flood mesh protocol) and a connected device on a second protocol(e.g. a Bluetooth protocol) to provide a bridge for data communicationbetween the connected device and one or more devices on the network 700.

It is noted herein that any number of device pairings between devicecontrol 702 assemblies 702-710, mobile device 712, and load devices720-740 may be established via the configurable network 700.Accordingly, the descriptions of pairings above are intended solely forillustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a configurable network 800 in a household,in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Itis noted herein that the network 800 described herein is provided solelyfor illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting thepresent disclosure. For example, a configurable network may be employedin any environment including, but not limited to industrial buildings,commercial buildings, multi-family households, or outdoors.

In some embodiments, the configurable network 800 includes as nodesdevice control assemblies DC1-DC11, electrically-connected luminairesEC1-EC14 (e.g. luminaires physically paired to one or more devicecontrol assemblies), network-connected luminaires ML1-ML3 (e.g.mesh-connected luminaires), and window/door sensors S1-S8. In someembodiments, all nodes of the configurable network 800 arecommunicatively coupled via data connections. In some embodiments, thepairings between device control assemblies, electrically-connectedluminaires, network-connected luminaires, and sensors are summarized inFIG. 8B. Further, the pairing type (e.g. physical or addressable)between connected devices is summarized in FIG. 8C. It is noted hereinthat device control assemblies 110 may be simultaneously paired withmultiple device types (e.g. DC7 and DC9 are paired withelectrically-connected luminaires, network-connected luminaires, andsensors), as shown in FIG. 8B. Further, connected devices may besimultaneously paired with multiple device control assemblies, as shownin FIG. 8C. For example, EC2 is physically paired with DC2 andaddressably paired with DC3. Similarly EC3 is physically paired with DC3and addressably paired with DC2. Together, DC2 and DC3 operate, via datapathways of the network 800, as a three-way switch to simultaneouslycontrol EC2 and EC3.

As another example, custom switching patterns may be defined throughdefined pairings of device control assemblies and load devices. Forexample, DC5 and DC6 are paired to luminaires EC5, EC6, and EC12, and anexemplary state diagram is provided in FIG. 8D. Further, EC12 isadditionally paired to DC 9. In this regard, EC5 and EC6 are controlledby DC5 and DC6 in a traditional three-way switch configuration.Accordingly, actuating either DC5 or DC6 will actuate both EC5 and EC6.However, the state of EC12 is dependent on the current state and on theactuating device (e.g. DC5, DC6, or DC12), as shown in FIG. 8D.

It is noted herein that any number of device pairings between devicecontrol assemblies DC1-DC11, electrically-connected luminaires EC1-EC14,and network-connected luminaires ML1-ML3 may be established via theconfigurable network 800. Accordingly, the descriptions of pairingsabove are intended solely for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted as limiting.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, other components. It isto be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary,and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented whichachieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangementof components to achieve the same functionality is effectively“associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, anytwo components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality canbe seen as “associated with” each other such that the desiredfunctionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedialcomponents. Likewise, any two components so associated can also beviewed as being “connected”, or “coupled”, to each other to achieve thedesired functionality, and any two components capable of being soassociated can also be viewed as being “couplable”, to each other toachieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of couplableinclude but are not limited to physically interactable and/or physicallyinteracting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelesslyinteracting components and/or logically interactable and/or logicallyinteracting components.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it willbe apparent that various changes may be made in the form, constructionand arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosedsubject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of thefollowing claims to encompass and include such changes. Furthermore, itis to be understood that the invention is defined by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A backplate, comprising: a backplate housingproviding a cavity to removably accept any of a plurality of devicecontrol assemblies, a device control assembly of the plurality of devicecontrol assemblies including a set of device control assembly electricalcontacts, the backplate housing configured to mount to an electricaljunction box; a backplate junction box electrical connector configuredto connect to electrical wiring within the electrical junction box; aset of backplate electrical contacts configured to couple to the set ofdevice control assembly electrical contacts; a translatable cover, thecover configured to shield the set of backplate electrical contacts fromthe cavity when translated to a closed position, the cover furtherconfigured to expose the set of backplate electrical contacts to thecavity when translated to an open position; and a lock configured tomaintain the cover in the closed position unless the device controlassembly is inserted into the cavity, wherein inserting the devicecontrol assembly into the cavity engages the lock to allow the cover tobe translated to the open position to expose the set of backplateelectrical contacts to the set of device control assembly electricalcontacts.
 2. The backplate of claim 1, further comprising: a lockinglever configured to secure the device control assembly in the cavitywhen the cover is in the open position.
 3. The backplate of claim 2,wherein the locking lever is configured to be pressed against the coverby a spring when the cover is in the closed position, wherein thelocking lever is configured to be exposed to the cavity when the coveris translated from the closed position to the open position.
 4. Thebackplate of claim 3, wherein the spring includes a torsion spring. 5.The backplate of claim 2, wherein the device control assembly includes alocking feature, wherein the locking lever is configured to couple tothe locking feature of the device control assembly to secure the devicecontrol assembly in the cavity when the cover is in the open position.6. The backplate of claim 5, wherein the locking lever is configured tobe decoupled from the device control assembly when the cover istranslated from the open position to the closed position.
 7. Thebackplate of claim 1, wherein the backplate junction box electricalconnector comprises: a set of connection wires.
 8. The backplate ofclaim 7, wherein the set of connection wires are configured to connectto the electrical wiring within the junction box via a pigtailconnection.
 9. The backplate of claim 1, wherein the backplate junctionbox electrical connector comprises: at least one of a set of internalspring push-type connectors, a set of push-on wire connectors, or a setof screw-on wire connectors.
 10. The backplate of claim 1, wherein thelock is configured to restrict motion of the cover when the cover is inthe closed position, wherein inserting the device control assembly intothe cavity translates the lock to provide clearance for the cover totranslate to the open position.
 11. The backplate of claim 10, whereinthe lock includes a graded portion, wherein contact between the devicecontrol assembly and the graded portion of the lock translates the lockto provide clearance for the cover to translate to the open position.12. The backplate of claim 1, wherein the backplate housing includes oneor more keyed features.
 13. The backplate of claim 12, wherein the oneor more keyed features facilitate the alignment of the set of backplateelectrical contacts with the set of device control assembly electricalcontacts when the device control assembly is inserted into the cavity.14. The backplate of claim 12, wherein the one or more keyed featuresinclude a keyed opening, wherein at least a portion of the lock isrecessed within the backplate housing to be accessible through the keyedopening, wherein the device control assembly includes a keyed feature toaccess the lock through the keyed opening when the device controlassembly is inserted into the cavity.
 15. The backplate of claim 1,wherein the cover is formed from an electrically insulating material.16. The backplate of claim 1, wherein a position of the cover ismaintained through friction between the cover and the backplate housing.17. The backplate of claim 1, wherein the set of backplate electricalcontacts comprises: a set of spring contacts.
 18. The backplate of claim17, wherein the set of spring contacts comprises: a set of spring fingercontacts.
 19. The backplate of claim 1, wherein the backplate isconfigured to removably couple with the device control assembly when thebackplate is connected to live power via the electrical wiring withinthe electrical junction box.
 20. The backplate of claim 19, wherein theset of backplate electrical contacts is configured to provide an orderedset of electrical connections to the set of device control assemblyelectrical contacts.
 21. The backplate of claim 20, wherein the set ofbackplate electrical contacts is configured to provide a groundconnection to the set of device control assembly electrical contactsprior to providing one or more additional electrical connections whenthe device control assembly is inserted into the cavity.
 22. Thebackplate of claim 20, wherein the set of backplate electrical contactsis configured to release a ground connection to the set of devicecontrol assembly electrical contacts subsequent to releasing, one ormore additional electrical connections when the device control assemblyis removed from the cavity.
 23. The backplate of claim 1, wherein thedevice control assembly includes at least one of a switch, a dimmer, anoutlet, a sensor, or a control panel.
 24. A device control assembly,comprising: a set of device control assembly electrical contacts; and adevice control assembly housing configured to be removably inserted intoa cavity of any of a plurality of backplates, a backplate of theplurality of backplates configured to mount to an electrical junctionbox, the backplate further configured to connect to electrical wiringwithin an electrical junction box, the backplate comprising: a backplatehousing providing the cavity to accept the device control assembly; aset of backplate electrical contacts configured to couple to the set ofdevice control assembly electrical contacts; a translatable cover, thecover configured to shield the set of backplate electrical contacts fromthe cavity when translated to a closed position, the cover furtherconfigured to expose the set of backplate electrical contacts to thecavity when translated to an open position; and a lock configured tomaintain the cover in the closed position unless the device controlassembly is inserted into the cavity, wherein inserting the devicecontrol assembly into the cavity engages the lock to allow the cover tobe translated to the open position to expose the set of backplateelectrical contacts to the set of device control assembly electricalcontacts.
 25. The device control assembly of claim 24, wherein thedevice control assembly includes at least one of a switch, a dimmer, anoutlet, a sensor, or a control panel.
 26. The device control assembly ofclaim 24, wherein the device control assembly is configured to regulatean electrical load.
 27. The device control assembly of claim 26, whereinthe device control assembly regulates the electrical load throughregulation of at least one of a current or a voltage to the electricalload.
 28. The device control assembly of claim 26, wherein the devicecontrol assembly regulates the electrical load through datacommunication to the electrical load via a data pathway.
 29. The devicecontrol assembly of claim 26, wherein the device control assembly isconfigured to be in data communication with one or more additionaldevice control assemblies via one or more additional data pathways. 30.The device control assembly of claim 29, wherein the device controlassembly is configured to regulate the electrical load based on datacommunication from at least one of the one or more additional devicecontrol assemblies.
 31. The device control assembly of claim 29, whereinat least one of the one or more additional device control assemblies isconfigured to regulate an additional load.
 32. The device controlassembly of claim 31, wherein the device control assembly is configuredto regulate the additional load through data communication to the atleast one of the one or more additional device control assemblies.
 33. Amodular control unit, comprising: a device control assembly, the devicecontrol assembly including a set of device control assembly electricalcontacts; and a backplate configured to removably accept the devicecontrol assembly, the backplate configured to mount to an electricaljunction box, the backplate further configured to connect to electricalwiring within the electrical junction box, the backplate comprising: abackplate housing providing a cavity to accept the device controlassembly; a set of backplate electrical contacts configured to couple tothe set of device control assembly electrical contacts; a translatablecover, the cover configured to shield the set of backplate electricalcontacts from the cavity when translated to a closed position, the coverfurther configured to expose the set of backplate electrical contacts tothe cavity when translated to an open position; and a lock configured tomaintain the cover in the closed position unless the device controlassembly is inserted into the cavity, wherein inserting the devicecontrol assembly into the cavity engages the lock to allow the cover tobe translated to the open position to expose the set of backplateelectrical contacts to the set of device control assembly electricalcontacts.
 34. The modular control unit of claim 33, wherein the devicecontrol assembly includes at least one of a switch, a dimmer, an outlet,a sensor, or a control panel.
 35. The modular control unit of claim 33,further comprising: a locking lever configured to secure the devicecontrol assembly in the cavity when the cover is in the open position.36. The modular control unit of claim 35, wherein the locking lever isconfigured to be pressed against the cover by a spring when the cover isin the closed position, wherein the locking lever is configured to beexposed to the cavity when the cover is translated from the closedposition to the open position.
 37. The modular control unit of claim 35,wherein the device control assembly includes a locking feature, whereinthe locking lever is configured to couple to the locking feature of thedevice control assembly to secure the device control assembly in thecavity.
 38. The modular control unit of claim 37, wherein the lockinglever is configured to be decoupled from the locking feature of thedevice control assembly when the cover is translated from the openposition to the closed position.
 39. The modular control unit of claim33, wherein the lock is configured to restrict motion of the cover whenthe cover is in the closed position, wherein inserting the devicecontrol assembly into the cavity translates the lock to provideclearance for the cover to translate to the open position.
 40. Themodular control unit of claim 33, wherein the backplate housing includesone or more keyed features.
 41. The modular control unit of claim 40,wherein the one or more keyed features include a keyed opening, whereinat least a portion of the lock is recessed within the backplate housingto be accessible through the keyed opening, wherein the device controlassembly includes a keyed feature to access the lock through the keyedopening when the device control assembly is inserted into the cavity.42. The modular control unit of claim 33, wherein the set of backplateelectrical contacts comprises: a set of spring contacts.
 43. The modularcontrol unit of claim 42, wherein the set of device control assemblyelectrical contacts comprises: a set of electrical contact pads.
 44. Themodular control unit of claim 33, wherein the backplate is configured toremovably couple with the device control assembly when the backplate isconnected to live power via the electrical wiring within the electricaljunction box.
 45. The modular control unit of claim 33, wherein thedevice control assembly is configured to regulate an electrical load.